12 December 2023

Proud of our Pride

Colourful lightboxes and banners from Leach champion Spain’s incredible inclusivity.  

The Brief

Spain is recognised as having one of the most inclusive societies in the world, a title it is rightly proud of. And as pioneering champions for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community, it was duly fitting for the Embassy of Spain and the Spanish Chamber of Commerce in the UK to participate in London’s 2023 Pride festivities, which took place across the capital on July 1st. With the 3rd of July also marking the 18th anniversary of legal same-sex marriage in Spain, the summer celebrations were an ideal opportunity for the co-organisers to make a bold statement. 

To achieve this end and to affirm Spain’s equality commitments on the world stage, the two institutions planned a photographic exhibition with a difference, looking to showcase some of the most iconic images of Gay Pride in Spain outside their offices in Belgrave Square, London. In a collection that they aptly named “PROUD OF OUR PRIDE”, the chosen photos - curated by the EFE Spanish News Agency - covered the evolution of the LGTBQI+ movement in Spain over five decades and included scenes of Spanish monuments basking in rainbow lights, Spaniards enjoying Gay festivals and marching crowds of LGBTQI+ supporters on the streets of Spanish cities.  

The Spanish Embassy and Chamber of Commerce turned to Leach to help bring to life the temporary photographic exhibition and express their pride in full technicolour splendour. 

The Solution  

Leach’s team crafted ten 1-metre square lightboxes along with high-definition printed tension fabric graphics featuring the chosen photographs, each backlit by bright LED illumination. The aluminium frame of each lightbox was powder coated to a matt black finish, to ensure that the attention of passers-by was focused solely on the colourful images within. The printer’s dedicated team of installers fitted the frames at intervals along the wrap-around fencing of Belgrave Square, using bespoke hidden fixings and clamping brackets that delivered the illusion of each lightbox “floating” in mid-air above the railings. And because the lightboxes were situated outside, IP67-rated LED modules safe for external use were fitted, the illumination ensuring the building came to life in a majestic kaleidoscope of bright colour, especially at night. 

Furthermore, Leach supplied several printed banners to span the length of the fencing below the lightboxes, as well as header banners positioned above the main entrance. Emblazoned with the messages “HAPPY PRIDE” and “PROUD OF OUR PRIDE”, the PVC-free banners featured attention-grabbing colourful backdrops and relayed dates of significance to the Spanish Pride campaign. These durable, weather-resistant signs offer a high-quality print finish to outdoor settings and can be reused time and time again.   

Results to take pride in… 

From design through to manufacture and installation, Leach helped to deliver a picture-perfect backdrop to represent Spain’s inclusivity at what was a high-profile, internationally acclaimed event. Each of the printed elements reflected a snapshot of a diverse, forward-thinking society that is at its most colourful when its people are free to express their pride.  

Julio Manuel Fenoy Muñoz, Deputy Head of the Communication Office, Embassy of Spain to the UK, enthused; “Pride weekend is an important annual event in our official calendar, a chance for Spain to be seen and heard in the important conversations about the fight for LGBTQI+ rights. I was keen to ensure that our offices displayed our firm support for Pride with a special spotlight on Spain’s inclusivity journey so far. The lightboxes captured that journey flawlessly in what was a truly stunning installation. Many thanks to Leach for pulling out all the stops on this project.”  

Jordan Wilson, Business Development Manager at Leach added; “It was a privilege to work with the Spanish Embassy and Chamber of Commerce on an event with such significance. The combination of colourful lightboxes and banners ensured that we helped to position the Spanish LGBTQI+ story front and centre of the festivities. I hope to work with Julio and his team again soon!” 

Looking to light up your event with a captivating collection of lightboxes? Or do you require durable external banners to promote an exhibit? Contact Leach today to kick-start your next print project.